Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, May 8, 2017

May 8, 2017

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

New! New Guidemaps Coming This Week: New guidemaps are coming to Magic Kingdom Park on Friday, May 12. The guidemap will features Happily Ever After fireworks on the cover. New! Mother’s Day Cupcake: On May 14th, Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom Park is offering a Magic Kingdom Mother’s Day chocolate raspberry cupcake.

(Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog)

Epcot

New! 22nd Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Details Announced: The 22nd annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will open Aug. 31 and run through Nov. 13 – that’s 75 days, which 13 more than last year! Chefs are busy at work on new dishes for the Marketplaces, paired with wines, beers and ciders. And to celebrate the park’s opening 35 years ago in 1982, there will be a record number of Marketplaces – 35 in all – stretching around World Showcase and into Future World. This year there are more family favorites, too, with the Ratatouille-inspired scavenger hunt back for another year as well as culinary demos and dishes geared toward kids’ palates. Keep an eye out for details this summer at epcotfoodfestival.com. Here’s a sneak peek at the pistachio cardamom cake with a dollop of chocolate coconut mousse from the new India Marketplace.

(Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Reservations now open for “The Music of Pixar LIVE!” Dining Package: This summer, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will present “The Music of Pixar LIVE! A Symphony of Characters.” This limited-time concert event brings to life memorable music from Pixar Animation Studios films, complete with a live orchestra and beloved Disney•Pixar characters. Guests now have the opportunity to book “The Music of Pixar LIVE!” Dining Package which includes a meal at a select dining location in the park as well as reserved seating for “The Music of Pixar LIVE!” Concert which debuts May 26. “The Music of Pixar LIVE!” will be presented three times nightly at Theater of the Stars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, following regular daily performances of “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage.

New! Groot Specialty Cupcakes Now Available: The Groot cookies and cream specialty cupcake is now available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This cupcake will be available at the following locations: ABC Commissary, Catalina Eddie’s, Fairfax Fare, Rosie’s All-American Café, and Trolley Car Café. This item is included in the Disney Dining Plan, and will be available through May 31

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

New! First Look: Meet The Na’vi Shaman of Songs From The Na’vi River Journey Attraction: Disney’s Parks Blog recently released a sneak peek at the new Na’vi Shaman from the Na’vi River Journey Attraction that’s set to open in a few weeks along with the grand opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar. The Na’vi Shaman of Songs is the most complicated Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering. Click to see a short video of the Shaman.

Disney Springs

New! Disney Springs Mother’s Day Offerings: Senses – A Disney Spa: For the first time at Disney Springs, guests can enjoy their choice of chair massages, Disneyinspired nail wraps by Jamberry, nail polish applications, updos, or even eyeshadow art at Marketplace Co-Op. With prices starting at $25 plus tax and services offered on a first come, first served basis, the Spa staff will be onsite from May 4-14, 2017.

Disney Floral & Gifts: Back by popular demand, the talented Disney floral team will be coming back to Marketplace CoOp from May 1 – May 16, 2017 to offer a variety of flower arrangements and custom baskets, perfect for mom.

Mother’s Day Brunch at STK: Whether your mom fancies Cinnamon Monkey Bread, Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs, Shrimp & Grits, or the Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes, pictured, she’s bound to find something to suit her palate. Brunch is offered every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Mother’s Day, moms receive a complimentary “MOMosa” and a special takeaway treat.

An Amphicar Tour at The BOATHOUSE: For families that have been waiting for the right “special occasion” to take a ride in a fully-restored vintage amphicar, now is the time. Make a reservation between May 12-15, 2017 and save $25 off the regular price, plus get a free family photo to commemorate the experience!

Special Promotions and Limited-time Offerings: Gemstone sets for $149 + tax at Luxury of Time by Diamonds International; free chocolates from See’s Candies with the purchase of UGG slippers or a robe; specialty “MOM cupcake box from Sprinkles cupcakes … this is just a sampling of the many delights waiting for mom at Disney Springs:

(Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog)

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

New! Mother’s Day Brunch Offerings: Walt Disney World Resort Hotels have several offerings to make mom smile on Mother’s Day including:

Boma – Flavors of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. some favorites from the dinner menu are added to the buffet, and breakfast include one mimosa per adult.

Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is offering a Mother’s Day character brunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with a Bloody Mary bar and generous buffet.

Next door at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, the Mother’s day brunch is from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. with a holiday buffet.

The Wave . . . Of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will host a buffet Mother’s Day brunch from 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Garden Grove Mother’s Day Character Brunch Buffet will be 7 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Walt Disney World Swan.

Walt Disney World Resort – General

New Mickey Mouse Celebration Cakes Coming Soon: A brand-new Mickey Mouse celebration cake will be available to order beginning May 17 at any Walt Disney World Resort owned-and operated table-service restaurant. These celebration cakes will be available in decadent chocolate or sweet white chocolate. A special message of “Happy Birthday” or “Congratulations” is available on the chocolate ears—or leave them blank—the cakes are adorable either way! Each cake serves 4-6 guests, and costs $35 plus tax and gratuity (where applicable). Advance payment is not required with confirmed restaurant reservations.

(Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog)

New! New MagicBand 2.0 Colors Revealed: With MagicBand 2.0, you can mix and match bands with the removable center icon. Disney has recently announced three new graphic MagicBands – that feature black and teal for the first time. One of the new black retail limited release graphic bands features Star Wars 40th Anniversary, which began sales during the Galactic Nights event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The band retails for $27.99. The other black band features Grumpy from the Disney classic, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” with his namesake facial expression front and center, and is sold for $22.99. The new teal color features Elsa from Disney’s Frozen. The band is an open edition and sells for $22.99.

(Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog)

Closures and Refurbishments

Click here to view the latest renovations and closures at Walt Disney World Resort.